So You Girls Remember That

Collected wisdoms, reflections and stories from Indigenous Elder Naanii Nora of the Haida Nation.So You Girls Remember That is an oral history of a Haida Elder, Naanii Nora, who lived from 1902 to 1997. A collaborative effort, this project was initiated and guided by Charlie Bellis and Maureen McNamara and was years in the making. The resulting book, compiled by Jenny Nelson, is a window into Nora s life and her family from the young girl singing all day in the canoe, bossing her brothers around or crossing Hecate Strait on her dad s schooner, to the young woman making her way in the new white settlers town up the inlet, with music always a refrain these are stories of childhood; of people and place, seasons and change; life stages and transitions such as moving and marriage; and Haida songs and meanings.This book also contains the larger story of Nora s times, a representation of changing political relationships between Canada and the Haida people and a personal part of the Haida tale.What ultimately shines through is Nora s singular and dynamic voice speaking with the wisdom of years. For example, on giving advice she says: I like to give anybody advice because when you re young you don t know nothing on this world. What s coming; what s going You have to remember it s a steep hill; you re right on the top. You slide down anytime if you don t be careful. This is a work of great generosity, expressing Nora s spirit of living her joy, humour, spirituality and resourcefulness; her love of children, music and social life; her kindness, strong will and creativity; and her spirit that has nurtured a community and endures to this day.Royalties will be donated to the Carl Hart Legacy Trust through the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation, to support the Rediscovery Camp at T'aalan Stl'ang.